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Mighty Ducks 4, Kings 3, OT

"Only 70 players in NHL history have done that, so it's a big honor to be in that club," the Mighty Ducks' Selanne said Monday night after he scored two goals to reach 1,000 career points in Anaheim's 4-3 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Kings.

"I'm very lucky that I've always played with great players who have helped me a lot. You can't score 1,000 points if you don't have great linemates and great teammates."

Scott Niedermayer made sure his Anaheim teammate's milestone wasn't sullied by a loss. Niedermayer scored 1:48 into overtime to give the Ducks the victory.

Selanne's second goal came when he sliced in from the right side and backhanded the puck over goalie Mathieu Garon's right shoulder. Playing his 928th NHL game, the 35-year-old Selanne scored his 476th goal at 8:33 of the third period to put Anaheim up 3-2.

The nine-time All-Star credited Andy McDonald with making an "unbelievable pass" to set up No. 1,000.

"I just tried to get some speed, because I knew the puck was going to come. I had a feeling I was going to score, and I was happy that it was a pretty goal, too and not on a rebound," Selanne said. "Every goal is important, but getting a milestone like that with a pretty goal, it was very special."

His power-play goal in the second period tied it at 1.

When Selanne scored the second, he was mobbed by his teammates, who took turns hugging him. When he returned to the bench, the sellout crowd of 17,174 cheered until he finally stood and waved.

"We were obviously really proud and happy for him," Niedermayer said. "Not only is he a great player, but he's a great guy. He has a lot of fun around the rink and all the guys enjoy him.

"He's really showing the younger guys how to be a professional. He's out there working extremely hard, fighting in the corners for pucks, finishing his checks and playing real well for us."

Said Anaheim coach Randy Carlyle: "Teemu has been a dynamic player for a long time in the league. It's a tribute to him and his commitment to the game."

Selanne is the seventh European to reach 1,000 points, and joins friend Jari Kurri as the only Finns on the list. Wayne Gretzky holds the NHL record with 2,857 points.

"Jari was my idol when I was growing up, and I think it's great to follow in his footsteps," Selanne said.

After the Kings' Joe Corvo scored during a power play with 2:03 left in regulation, Niedermayer's shot from the left circle beat Garon for his eighth goal. It also was his ninth career overtime winner, most by a defenseman in league history.

The Ducks evened the season series at three games apiece, with two more remaining. Los Angeles coach Andy Murray said the rivalry between the two teams, separated only by some 35 miles, is growing.

"They played an intense game, but we certainly had a high intensity level, too," Murray said. "We're disappointed to only get one point. It's a great rivalry."

Ryan Getzlaf had drawn Anaheim even at 2-all on his goal with 5 seconds remaining in the second period and the Ducks holding a two-man advantage. Derek Armstrong gave the Kings a 2-1 lead at 15:09 of the second period, with his 11th goal.

On Selanne's first goal, he got the puck in the slot. With the Kings' Mattias Norstrom between him and the goal, Selanne shot low and the puck went between Norstrom's legs and then skidded between Garon's pads.

Dustin Brown had given the Kings a 1-0 lead when he scored with 23 seconds left in the opening period.

Both goalies stayed busy, with the Ducks getting off 45 shots and the Kings 32.

Notes: Norstrom left the ice in the second period after a shot by Getzlaf struck him in the face. Norstrom lost a tooth and had stitches and did not return. ... Selanne became the second player this season to reach the 1,000-point plateau, joining Boston D Brian Leetch.

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